ROADS and footpaths remain the number one priorities for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and vigorously pursuing additional funding sources for crucial infrastructure will underpin the key projects listed in the works program for the next financial year.
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Acting general manager Craig Swift-McNair said yesterday council must continue to move on the path of reform which includes putting the right structure in place to be more efficient and effective.
The dismissal of Tony Hayward, appointed general manager in 2011 after the sacking of Andrew Roach, was a difficult decision. He supported Mayor Peter Besseling’s view that the decision is the right one for the community.
For the organisation and council staff, Mr Swift-McNair said it is now time to get the job done and do it well.
“The key issue is that this isn’t about going into caretaker mode and placing the organisation into cotton wool for a period of time, this is about driving forward with our reform agenda and the range of service reviews we were already undertaking,” Mr Swift McNair said.
“Clearly my role is to ensure that we have a smooth transition from the events of the last few days with our staff, and to ensure that we continue to deliver services to the community.
“What we are trying to achieve here is doing things better.
“There are some things that may not have been done in the smartest way possible. We are working through an entire review process ... about how to do business smarter, better and more efficiently.”
Senior staff will now focus on working closely with councillors on pulling together the draft operational plan for 2014-2015 and identifying key objectives that align with what the community expects and how those expectations can be balanced financially within council’s budgetary constraints.
“We are on a program that started 12 to 18 months ago with the new council about reform and we continue to drive that.
“At the core of it is the delivery of efficient and effective services to the community and becoming more responsive to the community.”
The draft 2014-2015 operational plan and draft budget is expected to be tabled at the March council meeting.
